Included in a new report that addresses the US national debt and deficit is the recommendation to restrict physician self-referrals and narrow the "in-office ancillary services" (IOAS) exception to the Stark self-referral laws.

The Simpson-Bowles deficit commission today released its final report on the national debt and the deficit. The 60-page document outlines principles, a 4-step process that includes $2.5 trillion in deficit reduction, and steps to sustain the lower levels of spending, even with other spending priorities on the horizon. Within the deficit reduction proposals is yet another suggestion to close the IOAS exception. APTA applauds this news, which shows continued momentum in our efforts to reform this policy. APTA is reviewing the report for any additional proposals that may impact APTA and its members.

The report specifically says that "physician self-referrals should be further restricted and better monitored, including narrowing the 'ancillary service exception.'" This recommendation follows a similar recommendation in the president's Fiscal Year 2014 Budget, released last week, that suggested therapy services should be removed from the IOAS exception.

For more news on this and other APTA related advocacy efforts continue to monitor APTA's federal advocacy page.